Stuffable, rollable, padded travel pillow and associated methods

ABSTRACT

A portable, packable camping pillow that features a soft side, for example a memory foam pad on one side (covered by fleece, for example) and a durable side, for example a water resistant fabric on the other. Between these two layers is a compartment accessed by a closure feature (e.g., a zipper, or hook-and-loop portions) intended to stuff articles of clothing to create a desired pillow loft by the user. The pillow can also be used (stuffed or unstuffed) as a sitting pad. When not in use, the pillow rolls up with the durable material outside, and is held in place with webbing and a G-hook, for example.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/362,733 filed Apr. 8, 2022 titled “STUFFABLE, ROLLABLE, PADDED TRAVEL PILLOWCASE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS” which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates in general to the field of pillows, and particularly to a stuffable padded pillow or pillowcase that is rollable for storage and travel.

BACKGROUND

Pillows and other support cushions are used in the home and for recreational purposes to provide comfort and support. In addition to pillows, a variety of body support cushions, such as camping mats, mattresses, ground pads, pet beds, stadium cushions, pool/spa pillows, lumbar support cushions and neck support cushions, are used in connection with traveling, camping, backpacking, swimming, picnicking and attending sporting events, as well as at home.

There are various prior art devices for providing pillows. For example, some pillow devices are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,578,014 is directed to a pillow with multiple pockets that can be converted into other pillow forms. U.S. Application Pub. No. 2021/0153670 is directed to a pillow inside an enclosure that is transferable or manipulated from one fabric to the other by sliding of the pillow from one fabric to another and then hiding the other fabric through use of an envelope. U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,644 is directed to a travel pillow that includes a block of resilient, open cell foam material that can be compressed, rolled-up and secured within an outer protective covering. U.S. Application Pub. No. 2016/0316943 is directed to a pillow wrap that includes a blanket member.

Other pillow devices are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,957,462, 7,089,617, 6,895,619, 5,987,667, and 5,271,114, for example.

However, there may be a need for a durable travel pillow or pillowcase that is padded for comfort, stuffable for desired loft, and rollable for packing and transport.

This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An object of the present invention may be to provide a versatile, comfortable and compact pillow option for people who are camping or traveling. A portable, packable camping pillow that features a soft side, for example a memory foam pad on one side (covered by fleece, for example) and a durable side, for example a water resistant fabric on the other. Between these two layers is a compartment accessed by a closure feature (e.g., a zipper, or hook-and-loop portions) intended to stuff articles of clothing to create a desired pillow loft by the user. The pillow can also be used (stuffed or unstuffed) as a sitting pad. When not in use, the pillow rolls up with the durable material outside, and is held in place with webbing and a G-hook, for example.

Objects and features of the invention may be provided by a stuffable, rollable, padded pillow for travel. The pillow includes a casing having a stuffable compartment defined between a soft external side and a durable external side opposite the soft external side. A securing feature is positioned at the durable external side of the casing and configured to secure the casing in a rolled up state. The stuffable compartment is configured to temporarily receive articles of clothing to provide loft when the casing is in an unrolled state.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the securing feature comprises a strap attached to the durable external side of the casing.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the strap includes a G-hook and comprises webbing with a plurality of G-hook slots configured to receive the G-hook to secure the casing in the rolled up state.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the soft external side of the casing comprises an internal durable fabric layer and an external soft fabric layer with a foam layer therebetween.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the foam layer comprises a memory foam layer.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the internal durable layer includes a sealable opening configured to provide for removal of the foam layer.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the sealable opening includes hook-and-loop fasteners.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the durable external side includes a closable opening to provide access to the stuffable compartment.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the durable external side comprises a water resistant fabric.

Other objects and features of the present invention may be provided by a method of making a stuffable, rollable, padded pillow for travel. The method includes forming a casing including a stuffable compartment defined between a soft external side and a durable external side opposite the soft external side, and positioning a securing feature at the durable external side of the casing and configured to secure the casing in a rolled up state. The stuffable compartment is configured to temporarily receive articles of clothing to provide loft when the casing is in an unrolled state.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the securing feature comprises a strap attached to the durable external side of the casing.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the strap includes a G-hook and comprises webbing with a plurality of G-hook slots configured to receive the G-hook to secure the casing in the rolled up state.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the soft external side of the casing comprises an internal durable fabric layer and an external soft fabric layer with a foam layer therebetween.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the foam layer comprises a memory foam layer.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the internal durable layer includes a sealable opening configured to provide for removal of the foam layer.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the sealable opening includes hook-and-loop fasteners.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the durable external side includes a closable opening to provide access to the stuffable compartment.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the durable external side comprises a water resistant fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The example embodiments are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawing figures. In fact, the dimensions may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion. Wherever applicable and practical, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

FIGS. 1A-1E are various views illustrating an example embodiment of a stuffable padded pillowcase that is rollable for travel in accordance with features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating details of the layers of the pillowcase of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 3A-3C are various views illustrating details of the fillable compartment feature of the pillowcase of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 4A-4C are various views illustrating details of the foam removal feature of the pillowcase of FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art realize that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

In this detailed description of the present invention, a person skilled in the art should note that directional terms, such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” and other like terms are used for the convenience of the reader in reference to the drawings. Also, a person skilled in the art should notice this description may contain other terminology to convey position, orientation, and direction without departing from the principles of the present invention.

Furthermore, in this detailed description, a person skilled in the art should note that quantitative qualifying terms such as “generally,” “substantially,” “mostly,” and other terms are used, in general, to mean that the referred to object, characteristic, or quality constitutes a majority of the subject of the reference. The meaning of any of these terms is dependent upon the context within which it is used, and the meaning may be expressly modified.

FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate an example embodiment of a stuffable padded pillow 10 that is rollable for travel in accordance with features of the present invention. There is shown a casing 11 having a top side 12 that includes an outer layer 13 of soft fabric (e.g., fleece) with a compressible foam 14 (e.g., memory foam) beneath. The bottom side 15 (FIG. 1B) is a durable material 16 featuring a closure 17 (e.g., a zipper) to a stuffable or fillable compartment 18. A strap 19, or closure webbing, includes a G-hook 20 and G-hook slots 21. Various views showing the side of the pillow 10 (FIG. 1E), rolling up the pillow 10 (FIG. 1D), and a rolled-up and secured pillow 10 (FIG. 1C), are also included.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view that illustrates the layers and corresponding functionality of the pillow 10. The strap 19, illustrated as webbing, and G-hook 20 are for securing the pillow 10 when rolled up. The bottom side 15, or external durable side, is an outside durable layer that features a closure 17 or zipper, for example, to access the fillable compartment 18 as well as a webbing loop 22 to secure G-hook when the pillow 10 is unrolled and in use. The inside durable fabric layer 23 secures the foam layer 14 in place and features a sealable opening 24 with a hook-n-loop (e.g., Velcro) seam that can be opened in order to remove the foam layer 14. The external durable side 15 and inside durable fabric layer 23 define the fillable compartment 18 therebetween. The foam layer 14 sits in-between the inside durable fabric layer 23 and the soft outer fabric layer 13 and adds padding to the pillow. The soft outer fabric layer 13 secures the foam layer 14 in place and provides a soft, comfortable material for the users face, head and/or body.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate the fillable compartment 18 feature and functionality. A closure 17 or closing mechanism, such as a zipper, may be opened (FIG. 3A) to reveal the fillable compartment 18. Such fillable compartment 18 can be stuffed (FIG. 3B) with items 30 such as apparel (e.g. a shirt or jacket) to create desirable “loft” for the user. When the fillable compartment 18 has been filled, the closure 17 can be closed (FIG. 3C) to secure the contents within the pillow 10.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate the foam 14 removal feature and functionality. The closure 17 (FIG. 4A) may be opened to reveal the sealable opening 24 or seam on the inside durable fabric layer 23. The sealable opening 24 may be opened (FIG. 4B) to reveal the foam layer 14 which can then be removed (FIG. 4C) in order to wash the casing 11. The foam layer 14 can be re-inserted the same way it was removed.

Thus, as described, the invention provides a compact and versatile pillow 10 or pillowcase, and method of making, featuring one soft side 13 (e.g. micro fleece) and one durable side 16 (e.g. waxed canvas). The soft side 13 is accompanied by a sheet of foam 14 (e.g. memory foam) for added comfort. Between these two sides there is a compartment 18 that is accessed by a closure 17 or zipper which may be located on the far side of the pillow 10 (near where the opening of a typical pillowcase would be). This compartment 18 is intended to receive articles of clothing 30 so that the user can customize the level of “loft” to their comfort. When not in use, the pillow 10 may be rolled up (durable side 16 facing out), and is secured with the strap 19 and a G-hook 20 which wraps around the rolled-up pillow 10. When in use, the strap 19 and G-hook 20 secure to a loop 22 beneath the zipper 17.

Additionally, although not illustrated, there may also be an additional piece of webbing that would attach to the pillow G-hook 20 at one end, and the pillow loop 22 on the other end for the purpose of wrapping around a sleeping pad while in use so that the pillow 10 stays stationary.

The present invention may have also been described, at least in part, in terms of one or more embodiments. An embodiment of the present invention is used herein to illustrate the present invention, an aspect thereof, a feature thereof, a concept thereof, and/or an example thereof. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article of manufacture, a machine, and/or of a process that embodies the present invention may include one or more of the aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with reference to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further, from figure to figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc. that may use the same or different reference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc. may be the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or different ones.

The above description provides specific details, such as material types and processing conditions to provide a thorough description of example embodiments. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the embodiments may be practiced without using these specific details.

Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may be advantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problems not discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan. While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given. 

1. A stuffable, rollable, padded pillow for travel, the pillow comprising: a casing including a stuffable compartment defined between a soft external side and a durable external side opposite the soft external side; and a securing feature positioned at the durable external side of the casing and configured to secure the casing in a rolled up state; wherein the stuffable compartment is configured to temporarily receive articles of clothing to provide loft when the casing is in an unrolled state.
 2. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the securing feature comprises a strap attached to the durable external side of the casing.
 3. The pillow according to claim 2, wherein the strap includes a G-hook and comprises webbing with a plurality of G-hook slots configured to receive the G-hook to secure the casing in the rolled up state.
 4. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the soft external side of the casing comprises an internal durable fabric layer and an external soft fabric layer with a foam layer therebetween.
 5. The pillow according to claim 4, wherein the foam layer comprises a memory foam layer.
 6. The pillow according to claim 4, wherein the internal durable layer includes a sealable opening configured to provide for removal of the foam layer.
 7. The pillow according to claim 6, wherein the sealable opening includes hook-and-loop fasteners.
 8. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the durable external side includes a closable opening to provide access to the stuffable compartment.
 9. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the durable external side comprises a water resistant fabric.
 10. A method of making a stuffable, rollable, padded pillow for travel, the method comprising: forming a casing including a stuffable compartment defined between a soft external side and a durable external side opposite the soft external side; and positioning a securing feature at the durable external side of the casing and configured to secure the casing in a rolled up state; wherein the stuffable compartment is configured to temporarily receive articles of clothing to provide loft when the casing is in an unrolled state.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the securing feature comprises a strap attached to the durable external side of the casing.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the strap includes a G-hook and comprises webbing with a plurality of G-hook slots configured to receive the G-hook to secure the casing in the rolled up state.
 13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the soft external side of the casing comprises an internal durable fabric layer and an external soft fabric layer with a foam layer therebetween.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the foam layer comprises a memory foam layer.
 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the internal durable layer includes a sealable opening configured to provide for removal of the foam layer.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the sealable opening includes hook-and-loop fasteners.
 17. The method according to claim 10, wherein the durable external side includes a closable opening to provide access to the stuffable compartment.
 18. The method according to claim 10, wherein the durable external side comprises a water resistant fabric. 